In most cases, the Siri Remote that comes with your Apple TV 4K is an unobtrusive accessory for Apple's home entertainment system. It just works, as Apple likes to say. Until it doesn't.
Apple recently had to issue a tvOS update to fix a problem that made the Siri Remote unresponsive on a third-gen Apple TV 4K. Installing tvOS 16.3.3 should clear up this particular bug, but if you've ever have an issue with your Apple TV remote connecting to the box, there are a few things you can try to resolve the issue.
1. Restart Your Apple TV Remote
We'll assume you've already checked that the remote is fully charged. With that out of the way, the first thing you should do is the tried-and-true method of turning it off and then on again. To perform a restart, hold the TV/Control Center button and the Volume Down button for five seconds. The light on the Apple TV box should turn off and back on again, and the remote should reconnect in about 10 seconds.
2. Re-Pair Your Apple TV Remote
If restarting the remote doesn’t work, try to re-pair it. Hold the remote about 3 inches away from your Apple TV box. Hold down the Back and Volume Up buttons for five seconds (Menu and Volume Up on older models). You may then be asked to place the remote on top of the Apple TV box to complete the pairing process.
3. Restart Your Apple TV
If pairing or restarting the remote has not resolved the remote's connection issue, there is one other thing to try. In my experience, simply unplugging the Apple TV and then plugging it back in fixed the issue. You can also avoid having to physically unplug the device if you can manage to open Settings > System and select Restart on your Apple TV.
4. Set Up the Apple TV Remote App
If your physical remote has stopped working, you can get around the problem by enlisting your iPhone or iPad for a software version of your Apple TV remote. This may not be an ideal solution, but it can be handy in a pinch.
As of iOS 16, the Apple TV Remote app should automatically be included in Control Center. Pull down from the top-right side of the screen to open Control Center and select the Remote app to connect your phone with the Apple TV.
If you don’t see the remote control icon in Control Center, add it from Settings > Control Center on your mobile device. Select Customize Controls, then tap the plus (+) icon next to Apple TV Remote. Or drag the remote icon around to make it more accessible in Control Center.
And if all else fails, you can replace the remote, which will set you back $59.